Overview
Join to apply for the Family Time Practitioner role at Suffolk Jobs Direct.
Location and hours: Family Time Centre, Riverside, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0EQ – Onsite. Hours: 18.5 hours per week. Contract: Permanent.
Salary information: £28,598 per annum pro rata. Employer: Suffolk County Council.
Working Hours
The available hours for this role are Wednesday afternoon, and all-day Thursday and Friday. Although the majority of Family Time sessions will be based in the North Locality, you will be expected to travel across the county and further afield.
Your Role And Responsibilities
* Supervise and facilitate Family Time sessions, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for children and their families.
* Observe and assess interactions between children and their parents, offering feedback and support where appropriate.
* Maintain accurate and detailed records of observations and outcomes from each session.
* Collaborate closely with social workers and other professionals to ensure the needs of children and families are met.
* Support Family Time sessions in a variety of settings, including Family Time Centres, Family Hubs, community venues, or within family homes.
* Transport babies and children to and from Family Time sessions, sometimes across a wide geographical area, including out-of-county locations.
* Conduct home visits and provide practical support to families involved in child in need plans, care proceedings, or court processes.
Experience and Qualifications
* Experience working with children and families in a supportive role.
* Strong observational and assessment skills.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to remain calm and professional in challenging situations.
* A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
* A full valid driving licence and access to personal transport with the need for business insurance.
How to Apply
View the full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don’t meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
Step 2 - Click Apply Now to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions (no more than 400 words per question).
1. Tell us about a time you supported a child or young person during a difficult situation. How did you ensure their safety and emotional wellbeing?
2. Give an example of a time you had to de-escalate a challenging situation with a parent or carer. What strategies did you use?
3. This role involves transporting children across a wide geographical area. Can you describe how you manage your time and ensure children are transported safely and calmly?
4. Tell us about a time when you identified a safeguarding concern. What actions did you take, and what was the result?
5. How do you ensure your communication is clear, respectful, and appropriate when working with families from diverse backgrounds?
Additional Information
Closing date: 11.30pm, 16 October 2025. This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Benefits
* Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
* Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
* Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
* Performance-related pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase.
* Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
* A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation.
* Diverse and active staff networks.
* Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.
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